Absolute Sword Sense

[ Side Story Episode 1: The Story of So Yeong-yeong (3)]

- Roaring!

“Jin Seongbaek?

“Why is the Heartless Wind God here?

When he, the lord of the peerless castle that divides the martial arts world into three parts and one of the eight great masters, revealed his identity, an uproar ensued.

I, too, couldn't help but be surprised when even Lord Seong, who had become my adoptive father, appeared.

You came down here from Shaanxi Province, where the peerless city is located.

“Lord Seong!”

I took the bow and bowed to the Lord of Seong.

Then the Lord of Seong, who had an expressionless face, spoke to me with a faint smile.

“Didn’t I say you can call me adoptive father or father?”

I blushed slightly at the words of the Lord of Seong.

I couldn't understand how this person was known to be unloving.

Still, I feel ashamed and embarrassed to call him father in a place with so many people.

“Yes, but.....”

“It’s okay. “You are my precious daughter too.”

I feel like my heart is melting at the gentle voice of the Lord of Seong.

no.

I even feel like something is making me cry.

What would it have been like if I had grown up under this person from the beginning?

[Oh my. Young Mae. Isn’t the Lord of the Matchless Castle so cool? [He looks like your older brother with a middle-aged beauty.]

I heard Namgoong Gahee's voice in my ear.

My adoptive father is cool. Hi.

But my sister was shyly covering her red cheeks with her hands.

I'm sure you're not in love with the Lord of the castle.

At that time, the voice of the head of the family, Soikheon, was heard.

“Soikheon, the head of the Soga family, sends greetings to the peerless lord of the castle.”

In order to respond as flexibly as possible, I calmly attacked the sudden appearance of the Lord of Seong, but I could not hide my stiff appearance and trembling voice.

It is understandable since we have Seongju, who is called the axis of the martial arts world, in front of us.

But it seems I was mistaken.

I couldn't help but be surprised by the matriarch's next words.

“It is truly embarrassing that the lord of the peerless castle would suddenly visit his home without any message.”

In other words, it wasn't an official visit, so they pointed out why they secretly invaded.

It was a sound that the people watching around were asking to hear.

‘Are you going strong?'

It was unexpected.

This is my first time seeing the family head like this.

Normally, he would have been as polite as possible and humbled himself to the leader of a huge power like Musou Castle.

However, starting from the voice, it was overflowing with caution.

Before the Lord of the Seong could reply, the head of the family continued speaking.

“I am grateful that the head of the family treated my daughter with kindness, but I think it is also against etiquette to call her father in front of her, who is clearly her biological father.”

-Roaring!

“Let’s go.”

“How...”

The surrounding retainers were shocked to see the head of the family openly showing his displeasure.

Even though the opponent is the head of one of the three major forces that can erase the Ikyang Soga at any time if he wants to.

But unlike them, I think I understand now.

The matriarch's attitude is as if she is treating a romantic enemy.

‘...Is it because of my mother?'

It seemed that the Lord of Seong was angry when he said that he had no right to talk about his mother's husband.

Although the head of the family was indecisive, she was not without judgment.

But is it really because the attachment to the mother is so strong that it comes out this strong?

I looked at the Lord of Seong.

“Lord Seong...”

His face was still expressionless, but somehow heavy.

It seemed like this would go on for four months.

At that time, my maternal grandfather clicked his tongue and said.

“You’re talking like we’re people who sneaked over the fence. “Do you think this Musangseong doesn’t even know the laws of etiquette?”

My maternal grandfather glanced towards the east.

There were ten carts, three filled with sacks of rice, three filled with silk, and the remaining carts filled with numerous goods.

When the head of the family frowned and looked puzzled, the Lord of the castle spoke.

“They said the items were to be given to your family, so they only asked where I was from and let me in. Is there a big problem?”

“Ha...”

At those words, confusion appeared in the matriarch’s eyes.

Due to the long line of tributes, they were allowed through without proper identification.

If this happens, there will be nothing left to say.

“How on earth can I do all these things?”

“Even if we exclude everything else, Ha-ryeong was able to survive because of this, and thanks to that, I was also able to meet Un-hwi and Yeong-yeong.”

“...Is this your repayment for that?”

“exactly.”

There was no violation of duty.

At this, the matriarch’s expression became even harder.

If they had barged in, I don't know if they would be able to sway public opinion, but if it comes out like this, it would be difficult for even the head of the family to show unconditional antipathy.

The Lord of Seong continued speaking to the perplexed head of the family.

“If you have heard the rumors, I think you would know that Haryeong was my wife. So, I will talk to you. As for Unhui, I will also collect Yeongyeong myself. Instead, I will bury the profits and other things I have taken under the pretext of Unhwi’s reputation.”

“......”

The head of the family’s brows wrinkled at the Lord’s suggestion.

Although he is an absolute power with overwhelming power, he comes forward with a clear justification, so it will be difficult to know how to respond.

‘How will the head of the family emerge?'

If you accept the Lord of Seong's proposal, it will be resolved peacefully.

However, since the relationship has been cleaned up, there will no longer be contact from other clans or top shamans with offerings.

No, I might have to spit out everything I've drunk so far.

The head of the family frowned and closed her mouth for a moment before speaking as if everyone should listen.

“The vassals must immediately return the tributes to all the guests who came to Peony Hall and send them off politely.”

‘!?'

The vassals hesitated at the unexpected command.

“Let’s go? But that’s at Jakyangdang.....”

“Are you saying that Mrs. Yang is my superior?”

“.......no!”

However, he had to follow the orders of the head of the family, who once again expressed his will.

The head of the family gave the order, and this time he took control of the Lord of the castle and spoke.

“I will also politely refuse the things you brought to your castle.

“Are you saying you won’t accept it?”

“Just as you heard.”

It was unexpected.

If the offer had been accepted, it would have ended quietly.

But it came out like this.

The matriarch continued.

“Jin Seongju. No matter what anyone says, Yeongyeong is the child of you and Haryeong. No matter how much you say you are the peerless lord, how can you just want to break heavenly law? “Are you not afraid of public attention?”

The Lord of Seong's eyes turned cold at his words.

Paying no heed to this, Gaju continued talking as if her life was at stake.

“And the Lord of Seong said that he had no right to talk about Haryeong’s husband, but I don’t think that’s something you, who allowed Haryeong to get to that point, should say.”

‘!!!'

“........”

There was silence for a moment.

Everyone's eyes did not leave the head of the family and the Lord of the castle.

Now, it is not strange at all if something happens.

While no one was able to open their mouths, the maternal grandfather scolded the head of the family in an angry voice.

“Inooom! How can you do that when you don’t even know what happened to your son-in-law…”

“Father-in-law.”

But I had to stop before I could finish speaking.

It was because the Lord of Seong dissuaded him.

The Lord of Seong said as he slowly walked towards where the head of the family was.

“So, head of the household. That's right. Regardless of whether he was imprisoned or what the circumstances were, it is true that you were unable to protect Haryeong as you said. “It is also the thing I regret the most in my life.”

“.......”

“That’s why you left, swallowing bloody tears when you saw Haryeong accepting you.”

“You saw it?”

A strange look appeared in the eyes of the head of the family, who did not know this fact.

Regardless of this, the Lord of Seong continued talking.

“But all those choices were really stupid.”

“foolery?”

“I realized this when I met that child again.”

“...What do you mean?”

“What I’m saying is that if you really value someone, you have to get close to them and do your best.”

As soon as the words were finished, the Lord of Seong lightly stretched out his hand towards the head of the family.

At that moment, a sharp anticipation flew through the air.

-Sigh! Kwa-kwa-kwa-kwa-kwak!

A dozen large sword marks appeared where Ye Qi passed by.

The building, split in half, collapsed.

Exclamations of surprise erupted from everywhere.

“.....It’s amazing.”

“To show this kind of power even without a sword...”

It was on a different level from the level where footprints were created at an advanced angle.

The matriarch’s face hardened.

If the Lord of Seong's sword had been slightly twisted to the right, the head of the family would have been split in half like that temple.

“You know very well that it is easier to solve it by force.”

No one will be able to deny the words of the Lord of Seong.

Even without mobilizing the power of the peerless star, it was not difficult for him to annihilate the Ikyang Soga by himself.

The Lord of Seong continued speaking to the head of the house, who was even shedding a cold sweat.

“Woonhwi, the reason I don’t do that is because I’m conscious of the public’s attention.”

“......Then what is it?”

“It’s for Youngyoung.”

For me...?

I swallowed dry saliva at the unexpected words.

“No matter how much you said you would isolate yourself, you are Youngyoung’s biological father, just as you said. “If Unhui or I made Ikyang Soga pay the price, that child would be scarred for the rest of his life.”

Ah....

My heart was touched by the Lord of Seong's words.

It was because I felt careful consideration.

The matriarch’s eyes trembled.

It was as if I was quite shocked.

The Lord of Seong continued speaking to him.

“So, head of the household. “No, So Ik-heon, did you really keep your promise to Ha-ryeong?”

“.......”

The head of the family bit her lip in response to that question.

That was not the end of Seongju’s questions.

“Did you take responsibility and take good care of her alter egos, Unhwi and Yeongyeong, whom you loved so much?”

“.......”

The matriarch could not bear to answer.

“The fact that I can’t even answer this obvious question with confidence is the reason why I’m trying to take forever.”

Blood flowed from the matriarch's lips as the lord of the castle said these words.

If you look at their eyes or facial expressions, they were extremely confusing.

“I will spend the rest of my life caring for my children. “It is atonement for Ha-ryeong who passed away and it is all I can do.”

Lord Seong’s words brought tears to my eyes.

This was because I could feel Seongju’s sorrowful heart and sincerity.

“........”

The head of the family said nothing.

Just by looking at his shaking eyes, I could see how emotionally shaken he was.

After being silent for a while, he parted his lips.

“...When I first saw her, I thought I really wanted to have this woman. So I didn’t care about her hidden identity or the fact that she had a child.”

“........”

“I wanted her, so I thought I could accept everything about her. “But I think it was all my mistake.”

“mistaken?”

“I loved her, but I didn’t fully accept everything. “Trying to keep the children with me was just a desperate attempt to win her heart.”

Now, the head of the family was finally revealing her true feelings.

Hearing this makes me feel bitter in some way.

“Heartless Wind God, what you said is correct. If I really wanted to keep my promise to her, I would have had to watch closely and take care of the children. However, because I am indecisive, I could not fulfill my duties because of what my wife and in-laws thought.”

With those words, the head of the family looked up at the sky and sighed.

Then he quickly turned his gaze to me and said.

“I guess I didn’t have the right to talk about heavenly principles. “I sincerely apologize to your mother and you.”

“Ah...”

“Do whatever you want.”

-Gurgling!

The moment I heard those words, tears flowed down my cheeks.

I feel like I am being released from some kind of bondage that has been holding me up until now.

The head of the family politely bowed her head to the Lord of the castle and said,

“I hope that the Lord of Seong will give the children the affection of a father that this ugly man was unable to give them.”

-chuck!

The Lord of Seong also politely took the sword from him.

It wasn't a verbal answer, but that was enough.

* * *

-Dag-dak-dak-dak!

Inside a carriage heading north.

Ha Sung-woon said with a bright smile.

“You solved it wisely. son-in-law.”

“no. Father-in-law.”

Jin Seong-baek responded to his words by shaking his head.

He also heard something from his son Unhwi and had a strong antipathy toward the head of the So family who had taken his beloved wife.

Therefore, in case of emergency, there was a willingness to use force.

But when I met him in person and saw Yeong-yeong with him, my thoughts changed.

“The child came first.”

“okay. You are right. No matter how much you resent him or how much you want to isolate him, the fact that the head of the So family is Yeongyeong’s biological father is an unchangeable fact.”

That's why the situation went smoothly.

No matter how much you deny it, the bond of heavenly principles cannot be easily broken.

“Anyway, you’re old too.”

“yes?”

“As you get older, your mind becomes weaker. “Hehehe.”

Jin Seong-baek smiled faintly at those words.

I agreed with my father-in-law.

It seems like my heart is becoming weaker when it comes to my children.

It was like that.

-Startle!

Jin Seong-baek turned his head towards somewhere.

Ha Sung-woon, puzzled by this, asked.

“Why do you do that? son-in-law.”

“......A great master is approaching where we are.”

At those words, a strange look appeared in Ha Sung-woon’s eyes.

It was not unusual for a son-in-law, one of the eight great masters, to approach a master who was alarmed.

If he couldn't even sense his presence, he might have been a peerless expert equal to his son-in-law.

Then the carriage suddenly stopped.

Then, the coachman’s voice was heard from outside.

“I think you need to come out for a moment, Lord Seong.”

“.......Father-in-law. “Stay behind me.”

“I understand.”

After opening the carriage door, two people came out.

When I went outside, I saw two figures blocking the front of the carriage.

A woman with a seductive yet sharp look with blood-red hair fluttering around and a grizzled old man holding a long sword were standing there.

Jin Seong-baek recognized them and a strange look appeared in his eyes.

“Do you know who it is?

Jin Seong-baek gave a small answer to the question of his father-in-law, Ha Seong-woon.

“This is Baek Hye-hyang, the Sword and Blood Witch, and Seogalma, the Nanmadoje, the venerable saint of blood religion.”

“Baek Hye-hyang? Is that woman the leader of the blood cult that was said to succeed Unhwi?”

Ha Sung-woon could not contain his surprise.

I had heard about it through my son-in-law, but this was my first time seeing it in person.

But they couldn't figure out why they suddenly appeared and blocked their path.

Jin Seong-baek was equally puzzled.

I saw him during the Inyo War, but this was my first time seeing him face to face since then.

“Why did the new blood cult leader come to visit us?”

Baek Hye-hyang opened her mouth to his question.

“I came to see you because I had some business for you...”

“Sect leader...”

Before she could finish her sentence, Nanma Daoje Seogalma, who was next to her, sighed and stopped her, then whispered something in her ear.

At this, Baek Hye-hyang’s impression became strangely distorted.

I couldn't figure out why she was doing that, but soon Baek Hye-hyang hesitated and said to Jin Seong-baek.

“Ah, father!”

‘!?'

For a moment, Jin Seong-baek and Ha Seong-woon were dumbfounded.

‘father?'

[Side Story Episode 1: The Story of So Yeong-yeong (3)] End

? Mid-Autumn Night